Psoriatic Arthritis How to Ease Foot Pain

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can cause painful inflammation in the joints of your feet, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Managing foot pain with PsA requires a combination of self-care strategies and medical treatments. Here are some tips to help ease foot pain from PsA:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Excess weight puts strain on your joints and can worsen pain. Aim for a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

2. Wear Comfortable Footwear:

Choose shoes that provide good support, cushioning, and fit your feet properly. Avoid high heels and shoes that are too tight or too loose.

3. Use Custom Orthotics:

Custom-made orthotics can help correct imbalances in your feet and provide additional support, reducing foot pain.

4. Practice Proper Foot Care:

Keep your feet clean and dry, trim toenails straight across, and avoid injuries. Address any foot problems promptly to prevent them from worsening.

5. Cold and Heat Therapy:

Applying cold packs or ice to swollen, inflamed joints can help reduce pain and inflammation. Alternately, using heat therapy, such as soaking your feet in warm water, can help relax muscles and relieve pain.

6. Massage:

Gently massage the affected areas of your feet to improve blood flow and reduce pain.

7. Physical Therapy:

Work with a physical therapist to develop exercises that strengthen muscles and improve flexibility in your feet.

8. Assistive Devices:

If you have difficulty walking, consider using assistive devices like a cane, crutches, or a walker to reduce the strain on your feet.

9. Over-the-Counter Medications:

Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can provide temporary relief from mild pain. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication.

10. Prescription Medications:

If over-the-counter medications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or medications to reduce inflammation.

11. Corticosteroid Injections:

Injections of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory medications, may be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joints.

12. Biologic Medications:

Some biologic medications can target the immune system and reduce inflammation associated with PsA.

13. Surgery:

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities or repair damaged joints.

Remember, foot pain from PsA may be ongoing and require ongoing management. Regularly consult with your doctor or rheumatologist to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.